23 july 1968 & washington whips
#OTD 23 July 1968 Soccer fans were purchasing tickets to see the Washington Whips (1900 L St, NW), the men's team, play against the Dallas Tornado next Tuesday 30 June at the DC Stadium (2400 East Capitol St, SE). Fans purchased tickets at American Automobile Association offices, the Bavarian Restaurant (11th & H Sts, NW), Central Charge Service (1215 E St, NW), Montgomery Ward Stores, Scan Danish Furniture Stores, and Sears Stores. Tickets cost $3 for grandstand, $5 for reserved and $7 for mezzanine. Students 18 and under paid 1/2 price. All games started at 8pm.
Soccer fans were excited abut this game because the Whips were now back in 2nd place in the North American Soccer League's Atlantic Division after they defeated the Chicago Mustangs 4-1. For that Kids' Night game, on Friday 19 July, more than 9,200 fans saw them win.
The team was founded in 1967.
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The player with the #9 jersey is Robert Mauro. His family members reached out to me in July 2020. His grandniece, Ana, interviewed him and created a video. We hear him speak in Portuguese and can read the English subtitles. thank you, Ana.
Your comments are welcome below. Did you, a family member or neighbor attend a Washington Whips game? Who were your favorite players? Do you recognize the person with the #9 jersey in the photo? Do you have photographs or memorabilia, i.e. ticket stub, t-shirt, pennant, pin-back button? What do you remember about the DC Stadium? You may comment privately here.
Photo source: Courtesy visa: the international visitor's weekly guide to washington July 19-August 1, 1968. Guide part of collection of author.
I retrieved Whips logo here on 23 July 2018.
Click here for 50th anniversary retrospective video clip on Washington Whips.
